These Colonial Hotels Take you Back to the Glamour of Raj-era

India, apart from its rich culture and tradition, is also an abode to hotels of the by-gone Raj era. These Colonial hotels have been preserved to retain the vintage beauty that comes priceless in today’s modern world.

Consider yourself lucky if you are travelling to India as you can have a little taste of heaven in these pristine Colonial hotels.

1. Chapslee – Himachal Pradesh

An exquisite Colonial hotel stuck in time, Chapslee sits stranded on the mountainside city of Shimla. The vintage hotel is all about peace and tranquillity as it is undisturbed by the internet, telephone, and all things modern.

Chapslee is considered as one of the oldest houses in Shimla. The Colonial hotel boasts a plentiful of Raj-era embroideries and paintings. Further embellishment has been done by festoons of sabres and swords. Be sure to witness the pristine old-world beauty of Chapslee if you visit Himachal Pradesh.

2. Windamere Hotel – Darjeeling

Separated from the rest of the country, Darjeeling is a picturesque town located in the state of West Bengal. The town is popular for its pristine English charm and London-like climate. One such bold embodiment is the Windamere Hotel which is located on the town’s Observatory Hill – a promenade that overlooks the entire town.

For starters, the Colonial hotel is surrounded by a bewitching beauty of the magnificent mountainous skyline. The exterior design of the vintage hotel is similar to that of the houses of the English countryside.

Windamere Hotel is considered as one of the best Colonial hotels in India and all over Asia, and there are numerous affirmations why. From the sumptuous meals and enchanting afternoon Darjeeling tea to a home-like hospitality, Windamere Hotel never fails to be a home away from home to every visitor.

3. Old Harbour Hotel – Kerala

A 300-year old property located in the heart of Fort Kochi, Old Harbour Hotel is one of the oldest hotel buildings in Kerala. Once an office for an English tea broker, the

Colonial hotel has been preserved over the year to retain the exquisite old-world beauty. Apart from history buffs, the century-old structure delights other visitors too as modern amenities such as Wi-FI and fitness center have been seamlessly integrated to present the best of both worlds. The restaurant of the hotels serves fine wine and international delicacies, only to make moments magical for visitors.

These British Colonial Hotels Across the Globe Whisk you Away to Luxury

Remnants of the Colonial era still linger in the walls of these places. Century-old traditions are preserved with diligent care. The flavour of the Victorian era blended with the rich architectural styles will shroud your mind with nostalgia. The British Colonial hotels in India and the other former British Colonies attract a diverse crowd from all across the globe. Want to feel the Colonial charm? Why not check out these hotels:

1. Windamere Hotel, Darjeeling, India

Located on the Observatory hill, this relic of the Raj era has a mothballed Colonial charm and is best known for its wonderful ambience. This 19th-century property was previously known as Ada Villa and was used by the British planters. The rooms and suites of this place are preserved carefully and retain the same old flavour. And if you are travelling to Darjeeling in December, Windamere Hotel is the best place to spend your Christmas. This year, “The Totties” from the West End Theatre District in London will be performing at the Windamere Hotel. If you want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, book your stay here.

2. The Governor's Residence, Burma

This 1920 teak building was constructed by the British to house the administrative bigwigs visiting this former Colony. It was only in the 1990s that The Governor’s Residence was converted into a lavish hotel. The decor is sophisticated and the ambience is welcoming. This place houses modern rooms and suites, most of which offer a great view of the landscaped gardens.

3. The Fullerton, Singapore

This hotel is the best example of Colonial architecture in Singapore and is one of the principal landmarks of the island city-state. This structure was commissioned in 1919 as a part of the Centennial celebrations of the British Colony and was named after Robert Fullerton, the first governor of the United Straits Settlements.

4. The Strand, Yangon

Facing the Yangon River, the Strand has carefully maintained the old Colonial structure. You won’t find any additional new block at The Strand. It was opened in 1901 and quickly became the most famous hotels in Yangon.

5. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, Thailand

This is the oldest hotels in Asia and is famous for its grandiose and superb customer service. The hotel has hosted many famous names such as Alfred Hitchcock, Graham Greene, and Sophia Loren. The hotel has a ratio of three staff per each guest and aims to make every visitor feel like a Royalty.

The Best Places to Travel in December

Winter is the time when you gather golden memories that keep you warm. It’s the time to soak up the sensations that are spread in the world. And what’s better way to do that than travel? If these are the thoughts that are knocking in your mind, we can suggest you a few places to be. Take a look:

1. Darjeeling, West Bengal

Nothing can beat the alluring charm of the hills in winter. Winter is the season when Darjeeling is at its mystic best. And in December, the alleys of Darjeeling are draped in Christmas decor. And when you are planning to spend Christmas in India and visiting Darjeeling, a stay in the Windamere hotel is a must. This is the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling. Moreover, Christmas week celebrations at Windamere Hotel are something that you should not miss. Every year they celebrate Christmas week in the most boisterous way as possible. This year, they have invited performing artists Carolyn Allen and Paul Smith for entertaining the audience. Book your stay at the Windamere hotel and experience the best of the festive season.

2. Ranthambore, Rajasthan

The mysteriously fascinating wilderness of Ranthambore spells magic in December. Nestled amidst the Aravalli and Vindhya, the tiger reserve is best known for its richest varieties of flora and fauna. Apart from the tigers, you will spot a host of other wildlife such as crocodile, sloth bears, wild cats, hyenas, jackals, leopards, and Indian foxes. Compared to any other tiger reserve in India, the chances of tiger spotting is extremely high in Ranthambore.

3. Murudeshwar, Karnataka

Located on the western coast of India, this small temple town boasts the highest Shiva statue in the world. During December, you can also indulge in scuba diving, explore the historical sites, enjoy the scenic beauty or just laze on the beautiful beaches and enjoy the amazing view of the coastline.

4. Kutch, Gujarat

December is the time for the Rann Utsav when the white salty terrain gleams with multiple hues. Spend a night under the starry sky, enjoy cultural fests, and stay in the camps- a visit to the Rann of Kutch during December is something that every travel enthusiast must have in their bucket-list.

5. Auli, Uttarakhand

The skiing destination of India is at its beautiful best during December. You can relax in a Himalayan resort or indulge in adventure sport, Auli will give you a number of reasons for several re-visits.

5 of the Best Colonial Hotels to Enjoy the Christmas Season

Christmas is the time to get together with the family and spend time with them. If you fancy taking time away from the day-to- day affairs and look forward to fun-filled Christmas, there are some lovely Colonial retreats in India to enjoy the season of festivities:

1. Windamere Hotel

Christmas is the best time to enjoy the Colonial spirit of Darjeeling. And the Windamere Hotel is the best place to do that. This is the only authentic Colonial hotel in Darjeeling and is best known for hosting wonderful Christmas week celebrations at the hotel. Every year performers from the famous West End Theatre District in London come here to enthral the audience with their performance. This year is no different. “The Totties” will be performing at the Windamere Hotel this Christmas. So, if you are happened to be in Darjeeling during Christmas, do not miss the festivities at the Windamere Hotel.

2. Rambagh Place

Built in 1835, this served as the residence of the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II and Maharani Gayatri Devi. The extravagantly decorated palace retains its original splendour. The latticework, the cenotaphs or chhattris, and the lavish Mughal gardens speak of the glory and rich heritage of the place. This luxurious place can be your next retreat during Christmas Eve.

3. Taj Lake Palace

This exquisite marble monument, located right in the middle of the beautiful Lake Pichola, gives an impression of a floating palace. Appearing like a dream in the middle of a vast stretch of clear water, this place is famous for its luxurious indulgences. Built-in 1746 by Maharaja Jagat Singh II, the Aravalli Mountains at its backdrop adds to the visual feast. This December, let your family soak in Royal luxury at Taj Lake Palace.

4. The Oberoi Grand

Established in 1880, this hotel is an embodiment of Colonial luxury and comfort. All the rooms and suites in this hotel are well furnished and equipped with all modern amenities. Fondly known as the “Grand Dame of Chowringhee” the ballroom of this place is famous for hosting elaborate parties and celebrations. If you are visiting Kolkata during Christmas, do not miss their amazing spread of menus.

5. Palais de Mahe, Pondicherry

Located in the French district in Pondicherry, the building is designed as per the French Colonial style. All the 18 rooms of this place offer a blend of luxury and comfort. Palais de Mahe lure tourists for its rich cultural history and excellent hospitality.

4 Great Winter Getaways

The winter season calls for a perfect getaway to cut some slack from the year-long stress. Interestingly, India is one such country where there’s no shortage of magnificent destination where you can spend a great holiday. Interested in learning about these places? Read on.

1) Manali

Want to experience and witness what winters truly mean? Visit Manali as the town’s natural beauty is embellished by snow. Be it a honeymoon, a family trip, a bachelor’s trip, or an adventure trail, Manali welcomes all. There’s a lot that you can do in Manali; visit a mountainous national park, rejuvenate at old Hindu temples, have a great hangout at the mountain club. Manali is a great destination for adventure lovers as the town is popular for a number of adventurous activities such as camping, snowboarding, skiing, paragliding, etc.

2) Darjeeling

Darjeeling is one hill station in India that you must visit during winters. The greatest perk of visiting the quaint town during winters is the super chilly and refreshing weather.

The town is frequently visited by tourists from the world over. Darjeeling is best-known for its world-class tea, natural beauty, and an England-like climate. You can best enjoy these traits at the Windamere Hotel – an old-world Colonial hotel where you can experience a warm and cosy home like stay while reminiscing the history of the by-gone Raj era.

The Darjeeling hotel located near mall road – a prominent square that quickly bustles up with locals and tourists during afternoons. Be sure to book your stay at Windamere Hotel when you visit Darjeeling.

3) Chennai

If you think you are better off not spending your winter holidays in super chilly weather, then Chennai should be a top priority on your bucket list. Chennai is hot and humid during the summer days, and therefore visiting the city during winters makes perfect sense.

Some of the popular attractions in the city include St. Thomas Mount, Guindy National Park, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, and Marina Beach.

4) Jaipur

It always a right time to visit Jaipur, but especially during winters as city bustles up with tourists. The city experiences a pleasant weather during winter which is perfect for sightseeing. Some of the top must-visit attractions in the city include Jantar Mantar, City Palace, Jal Mahal, Amer Fort, and Hawa Mahal.

5 Travel Destinations Across the World to find Solace

In this fast-paced world where everyone is chasing deadlines, we have forgotten how it feels to relax and unwind. Often, we forget that in this technology-driven world, life is fast escaping us. This is when you need to stop, take a step back and lose your soul just to find it. And what could be better than travelling? If you too feel the same, take a look at these places where you can let go of all the stress of your daily life:

1. Darjeeling, India

Nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, Darjeeling is a little piece of heaven where you can escape all your worries. The breathtaking view of golden sunrise turning the snow-capped peaks of Kanchenjunga into shades of rose and gold is a sight to behold. A trip to the idyllic Ghoom Monastery or a guided bike ride through the serpentine roads leading to the hilltop - the scenic beauty of Darjeeling never fails to cast a spell on your tired soul.

A stay at the Windamere Hotel is the icing on the cake. Soaked in Colonial charm, this place allures you with its timeless elegance. If you are planning to spend Christmas in Darjeeling and want to book a hotel in Darjeeling, stay at the Windamere Hotel.

2. Tulum, Mexico

Spectacular beaches, sprawling coastline, powdered sands, and balmy breezes- you don’t need anything else to unwind. This place is also home to ancient Mayan ruins and beautiful coral reefs. If you are looking forward to commune with nature then Tulum is the best place to be.

3. County Donegal, Ireland

This rugged landscape located in the northwest corner of Ireland has wide-open spaces and spectacular cliffs. Take a ferry to unknown villages or just stay in the sea-side cottages gazing at the jaw-dropping views of the vast blue water and unending horizon-County Donegal will mesmerise you with its offerings.

4. Positano, Italy

Summer in Positano is all about sunny beaches, wandering through the alleys of pastel villages and lazing in the sugary-sand beaches. While in the colder months you can go on hiking trails strewn with breathtaking natural beauty - a visit to Positano at any time of the year is a rewarding experience.

5. Sedona, Arizona

Sinagua Indians inhabited this surrealistic place about 1400 years ago and since then, it’s been a centre of spiritual healing. Soak up the energy of the ancient community as you gget to explore the rocky terrains and go around hiking.